Ages 11-15: From tween to teen...

Choosing a vehicle to fit your growing kids' ever growing needs

The baby equipment is gone, But as the baby becomes a "big kid" and grows out of the car seats, strollers and play pens, the extra room is quickly taken up with a whole bunch of other equipment, usually of the sporting variety

The baby equipment might be gone, but as the kids get bigger, and grow out of car seats, strollers and play pens, that ‘extra room’ is quickly taken up with a whole bunch of other equipment, normally of the sporting kind. Hockey bags, snowboards, skis and other assorted items will find their way into, and on top of, your vehicle.

You don’t always have to go for a big SUV or minivan to fit this stuff. These are 10 vehicles from compact to sedan to crossover to minivan that I have driven that combine good storage, backseat legroom, headroom and other features for those tall teens and all that comes with them.

Nissan Micra

If you’re a family of five or have kids in the over 6-feet range this probably isn’t the vehicle for you. However, this tiny car is bigger than it looks. Great gas mileage combined with a surprising amount of hatchback accessible storage space, and a split back seat makes this an extremely cost efficient run about for your future World Cup player, complete with practice nets and a bag of soccer balls.

Nissan Altima

This sedan combines luxury and space. The tires will tell you when they need more air, after driving mountain roads or long highway treks. NASA based research was used to provide the driver with ultimate comfort and anti-fatigue features.

Ford Focus

The 2015 Ford Focus has been redesigned, but still includes SYNC, technology that includes rear view cameras that provide assistance in backing out of busy arena parking lots. The trunk space is also considerable.

Chevrolet Malibu

This mid-size sedan is known for its safety and comfort. A great choice if you’re driving winter roads for out of town tournaments.

Chevrolet Trax

The Trax is billed as a “Built for the Street” smaller crossover vehicle. While you won’t be able to fit the defensive line in the back seat, it’s perfect for running your aspiring Gretzky or Wickenheiser to early morning practices, with fuel efficiency and easy parking.

Nissan Rogue

This crossover combines great fuel efficiency for tournament road trips, as well as a flexible 70 foot cubic feet of storage, as well as expansive headroom.

Ford Flex

It may have a “rolling rectangle” aesthetic, but the head space and back storage space is enough for even the tallest of teens and the heftiest of hockey bags. Easy to reach roof racks can handle ski and snowboard equipment with ease.

Chevrolet Impala

The 2014 model is impressive in its design, both inside and out. The “secret storage” compartments are everywhere, allowing passengers to hide their valuables when they leave the car to go for a run down the road, or on the slopes.

Ford Escape

The Titanium model of the 2014 Escape features the very handy foot-activated hands free lift gate, making it easy to unload your armfuls of goalie pads, sticks and other assorted equipment, without having to put it on the cold, hard ground first.

Dodge Grand Caravan

Say what you want about a minivan, but the fact remains that for storage of both people and the equipment they need to bring with them, the minivan delivers maximum room and accessibility.And among minivans the Caravan is Canada’s go-to.